Tamiya 1/48 P-38F Lightning “Texas Terror/The Mad Dash”.
This was the last project completed in 2020 for me. Built completelyOOB except for some fine solder used as the antenna stay, and, of course, Eduard seat harness. Airbrushed in Tamiya acrylics, and weathered with Ammo by Mig enamel washes & Heavy Chipping fluid. Kitsworld decals representing CPT Jack Ilfrey's "Texas terror/Mad Dash". Europe, 1942.
I referenced Tom Cleavers' expertly researched article at Modeling Madness for the color callouts. Thanks, TC, for doing all the heavy lifting for me! As he did, I used Tamiya XF-81 “RAF Dark Green" and XF-83 “Sea Grey Medium." I thinned these around 50/50 with Gunze Mr. Leveling Thinner. The gloss coat and flat coat were Gunze GX100 & GX114, respectively. Since these are lacquer-based, I thinned them 3:1 with Mr. LT. I find these products superior to Future Floor Polish and whatever flat coat I was using (I think it was Testors Acryl). I used UVDR "Just Rig It" line for the antenna. Think: fine gauge EZ-Line.
And, yeah...everything you've read or heard about this kit is true. It is positively sublime.
Another beautiful Lightning! I'm glad to see more of these being built.
I found I spent more time focused on the painting/weathering which is what I really enjoy doing with most models. It looks like you used your time and energy to do the same and it shows spectacularly.
Thanks, Dan. Painting/weathering is my favorite part, too.
awesome!
Thanks Richard!
Most excellent!
Your peeled paint technique is very realistic. What's your secret?
Hi Eric, thank you. The chipping was achieved using Ammo by Mig's Heavy Chipping Effects fluid. Basically, the "hairspray technique" in a jar.
Great P-38.
Thank you Haslam.
Fantastic Lightning, James! As Dan pointed out, it's nice to see a lot of them done!
Painting and weathering are absolutely amazing!
Thank you very much Spiros.
Very nice, James.
Weathering is great on this one.
Mine is nearing completion and yes, this kit is awesome.
Thanks, John, It sure is a great kit!
That’s just stunning. Beautiful paint work!
Thank you so much.
Well done all around, James. And you even perfectly laid down that narrow black decal around the back of the canopy...most have not. All good.
Thanks Bob! If you look closely, you see am imperfection lol.
Fine work on this James.
Thank you Dale.
Great build!
Thanks Greg!